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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2005 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes and youth access to tobacco.  South Carolina scored grades of  “F” in all four categories. The American Lung Association is joining the South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative in a campaign to save lives by raising the state cigarette tax by 93 cents.  South Carolina’s tax is currently only 7 cents, the lowest in the nation!  It’s time South Carolina’s kids had the same protection as kids in North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee, which have all raised their cigarette taxes.

Studies show that when the price of cigarettes goes up, youth smoking rates go down. In fact, for every 10 percent increase in price, youth smoking rates will drop by about 7 percent. Revenues from cigarette excise taxes can fund tobacco prevention and education programs and other budget priorities. A reduction in tobacco use saves thousands of lives and produces enormous declines in state health care costs and other tobacco-related expenditures.

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your State Senator and Representative and ask them to raise the tax on cigarettes in South Carolina by 93 cents.